Backus joined the Army in June 2010. Following training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Sam Houston, Texas, he arrived at Fort Drum in December 2010. Backus deployed with his unit in March 2011 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Medical Badge.

Backus is survived by a child, mother, father and brother.

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